4. Features

The Asus A7G is a meaty system - but without all of the usual fat. It has plenty of performance and a wide set of features but none of the bulk of gaming notebooks. The key to the performance thin market segment is for users to have their cake and to be able to eat it to, and that's what Asus strived to give them. The Asus A7G is available with a choice of Intel Pentium M processors ranging from the 730 (1.6 GHz) to the 770 (2.13 GHz). The test notebook we had for this technology preview had the Intel Pentium M 770.

Not only does this notebook have a lot of power inside, it is loaded with features, making it very well-rounded. The 17" WXGA+ is clear, and uses Asus' Splendid Video Intelligence Engine; this feature detects the activation of video applications, and then automatically optimizes image quality for the best results. There are five modes: Standard, Game, Theater, Scenery and Night. Incorporated into the top of the display is a 1.3 megapixel camera for video conferencing or quick snapshots. One of the Asus screensavers will even turn the camera on and take images, which it displays on the screen.

The DVD R +/- optical drive is located on the right side of the notebook. This is also where Asus placed the AC power cord port.

On the back are four USB 2.0 ports.

There is also a parallel port to connect a printer, as well as the VGA and VIVO connection ports. We did not have the cable to see what connections were possible with the Asus A7G notebook.